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Appetecchia F, Fabbrizi E, Fiorentino F, Consalvi S, Biava M, Poce G, Rotili D. Transmission-Blocking Strategies for Malaria Eradication: Recent Advances in Small-Molecule Drug Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:962. [PMID: 39065810 PMCID: PMC11279868 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria drug research and development efforts have resurged in the last decade following the decelerating rate of mortality and malaria cases in endemic regions. The inefficiency of malaria interventions is largely driven by the spreading resistance of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite to current drug regimens and that of the malaria vector, the Anopheles mosquito, to insecticides. In response to the new eradication agenda, drugs that act by breaking the malaria transmission cycle (transmission-blocking drugs), which has been recognized as an important and additional target for intervention, are being developed. These drugs take advantage of the susceptibility of Plasmodium during population bottlenecks before transmission (gametocytes) and in the mosquito vector (gametes, zygotes, ookinetes, oocysts, sporozoites). To date, compounds targeting stage V gametocytes predominate in the chemical library of transmission-blocking drugs, and some of them have entered clinical trials. The targeting of Plasmodium mosquito stages has recently renewed interest in the development of innovative malaria control tools, which hold promise for the application of compounds effective at these stages. In this review, we highlight the major achievements and provide an update on the research of transmission-blocking drugs, with a particular focus on their chemical scaffolds, antiplasmodial activity, and transmission-blocking potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giovanna Poce
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (E.F.); (F.F.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (E.F.); (F.F.); (S.C.); (M.B.)
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Parashar R, Nanda S, Smith SL, Shroff Z, Shawar YR, Hamunakwadi DL, Shiffman J. Comparing priority received by global health issues: a measurement framework applied to tuberculosis, malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and dengue fever. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014884. [PMID: 38977402 PMCID: PMC11256119 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relative priority received by issues in global health agendas is subjected to impressionistic claims in the absence of objective methods of assessment of priority. To build an approach for conducting structured assessments of comparative priority health issues receive, we expand the public arenas model (2021) and offer a framework for future assessments of health issue priority in global and national health agendas. METHODS We aimed to develop a more comprehensive set of measures for conducting multiyear priority comparisons of health issues in six agenda-setting arenas by identifying possible measures and data sources, selecting indicators based on feasibility and comparability of measures and gathering the data on selected indicators. We applied these measures to four communicable diseases-tuberculosis (TB), malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and dengue fever-given their differing impressionistic claims of priority. Where possible, we analysed the annual and/or 5-year trends from 2000 through 2022. RESULTS We observed that TB and malaria received the highest priority for most periods in the past two decades in most arenas. However, a stagnation in development funding for these two conditions over the last 8-10 years may have fuelled the neglect claims. Despite having a higher disease burden, diarrhoea has been slipping in global priority with reduced spending, fewer clinical trials and stagnating publications. Dengue remains a low-priority condition but has witnessed a sharp rise in attention from the pharmaceutical industry. DISCUSSIONS We expanded the arenas model by including a transnational arena (international representation) and additional measurements for various arenas. This analysis presents an approach to enable comparative trend analysis of the markers of agenda status over a multiyear period. More such analyses can bring much-desired objectivity in understanding how attention to global or national health issues changes over time in different arenas, potentiating a more equitable allocation of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Parashar
- Health Systems and Policy, Independent Consultant, New Delhi, Delhi, India
- Global Business School of Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sharmishtha Nanda
- Independent Consultant, Delhi, India
- International Center for Research on Women Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Stephanie L Smith
- School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Zubin Shroff
- WHO Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yusra R Shawar
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jeremy Shiffman
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ngonghala CN, Enright H, Prosper O, Zhao R. Modeling the synergistic interplay between malaria dynamics and economic growth. Math Biosci 2024; 372:109189. [PMID: 38580079 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2024.109189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The mosquito-borne disease (malaria) imposes significant challenges on human health, healthcare systems, and economic growth/productivity in many countries. This study develops and analyzes a model to understand the interplay between malaria dynamics, economic growth, and transient events. It uncovers varied effects of malaria and economic parameters on model outcomes, highlighting the interdependence of the reproduction number (R0) on both malaria and economic factors, and a reciprocal relationship where malaria diminishes economic productivity, while higher economic output is associated with reduced malaria prevalence. This emphasizes the intricate interplay between malaria dynamics and socio-economic factors. The study offers insights into malaria control and underscores the significance of optimizing external aid allocation, especially favoring an even distribution strategy, with the most significant reduction observed in an equal monthly distribution strategy compared to longer distribution intervals. Furthermore, the study shows that controlling malaria in high mosquito biting areas with limited aid, low technology, inadequate treatment, or low economic investment is challenging. The model exhibits a backward bifurcation implying that sustainability of control and mitigation measures is essential even when R0 is slightly less than one. Additionally, there is a parameter regime for which long transients are feasible. Long transients are critical for predicting the behavior of dynamic systems and identifying factors influencing transitions; they reveal reservoirs of infection, vital for disease control. Policy recommendations for effective malaria control from the study include prioritizing sustained control measures, optimizing external aid allocation, and reducing mosquito biting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calistus N Ngonghala
- Department of Mathematics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Hope Enright
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
| | - Olivia Prosper
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA
| | - Ruijun Zhao
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
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Lawal L, Buhari AO, Jaji TA, Alatare AS, Adeyemo AO, Olumoh AO, Yusuff YA, Osborn G, Mogaji AB, Adoto BH, Ibrahim NG, Saliu WO, Abdul‐Rahman T. Lingering challenges in malaria elimination efforts in sub-Saharan Africa: Insights and potential solutions. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2122. [PMID: 38831778 PMCID: PMC11144596 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Between 2000 and 2015, significant gains were recorded in reducing the global burden of malaria due to enhanced global collaboration and increased funding. However, progress has stagnated post-2015, and the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have reversed some of these gains, necessitating a critical reevaluation of interventions. This paper aims to analyze the setbacks and offer recommendations for advancement in malaria control and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods We conducted searches on Google Scholar, PubMed, and relevant organization websites to identify relevant studies on malaria control and prevention and associated challenges in sub-Saharan Africa from 2015 to the present. Additionally, studies on individual sub-Saharan African countries were reviewed to ensure comprehensiveness. Data from selected studies were extracted and analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach to offer a concise overview of the evidence. Findings We observe that the halt in progress of malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa has deep roots in socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors. These challenges are exacerbated by the population explosion in the region, low coverage of interventions due to funding deficits and incessant crises, and the degradation of the efficacy of existing malaria commodities. Conclusion Sub-Saharan Africa is at a crossroads in its fight against malaria. Promising new frontiers such as malaria vaccines, preventive monoclonal antibodies, new-generation insecticide-treated nets, and potentially artificial intelligence-driven technologies offer hope in advancing malaria control and prevention in the region. Through commitment and collaboration, leveraging these opportunities can help surmount challenges and ultimately eliminate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukman Lawal
- Centre for Malaria and Other Tropical DiseasesIlorinNigeria
- Faculty of Clinical SciencesUniversity of IlorinIlorinNigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gabriel Osborn
- Faculty of Clinical SciencesUniversity of IlorinIlorinNigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Toufik Abdul‐Rahman
- Medical InstituteSumy State UniversitySumyUkraine
- Toufik's World Medical AssociationSumyUkraine
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Odhiambo JN, Dolan C, Malik AA, Tavel A. China's hidden role in malaria control and elimination in Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013349. [PMID: 38114239 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insufficient funding is hindering the achievement of malaria elimination targets in Africa, despite the pressing need for increased investment in malaria control. While Western donors attribute their inaction to financial constraints, the global health community has limited knowledge of China's expanding role in malaria prevention. This knowledge gap arises from the fact that China does not consistently report its foreign development assistance activities to established aid transparency initiatives. Our work focuses on identifying Chinese-funded malaria control projects throughout Africa and linking them to official data on malaria prevalence. By doing so, we aim to shed light on China's contributions to malaria control efforts, analysing their investments and assessing their impact. This would provide valuable insights into the development of effective financing mechanisms for future malaria control in Africa. METHODS Our research used AidData' s recently released Global Chinese Development Finance Dataset V.2.0 providing comprehensive coverage of all official sector Chinese development financing across Africa, from which we identify 224 Chinese-funded malaria projects in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) committed between 2002 and 2017. We conducted an analysis of the spending patterns by year, country and regions within Africa and compared it with data on population-adjusted malaria prevalence, sourced from the Malaria Atlas Project. RESULTS Chinese-financed malaria projects Africa mainly focused on three areas: the provision of medical supplies (72.32%), the construction of basic health infrastructure (17.86%) and the deployment of anti-malaria experts (3.57%). Moreover, nearly 39% of the initiatives were concentrated in just four countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Uganda and Liberia. Additionally, China's development financing amount showed a weak negative correlation (-0.2393) with population-weighted malaria prevalence. We concluded that the extent and direction of China's support are not adequately tailored to address malaria challenges in different countries. CONCLUSION With China's increasing engagement in global health, it is anticipated that malaria control will continue to be a prominent priority on its development assistance agenda. This is attributed to China's vast expertise in malaria elimination, coupled with its substantial contribution as a major producer of malaria diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Nyerere Odhiambo
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Carrie Dolan
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Ammar A Malik
- AidData, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Aaron Tavel
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
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Caulkins JP, Grass D, Feichtinger G, Hartl RF, Kort PM, Kuhn M, Prskawetz A, Sanchez-Romero M, Seidl A, Wrzaczek S. The hammer and the jab: Are COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccinations complements or substitutes? EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH 2023; 311:233-250. [PMID: 37342758 PMCID: PMC10131897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2023.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated lives and economies around the world. Initially a primary response was locking down parts of the economy to reduce social interactions and, hence, the virus' spread. After vaccines have been developed and produced in sufficient quantity, they can largely replace broad lock downs. This paper explores how lockdown policies should be varied during the year or so gap between when a vaccine is approved and when all who wish have been vaccinated. Are vaccines and lockdowns substitutes during that crucial time, in the sense that lockdowns should be reduced as vaccination rates rise? Or might they be complementary with the prospect of imminent vaccination increasing the value of stricter lockdowns, since hospitalization and death averted then may be permanently prevented, not just delayed? We investigate this question with a simple dynamic optimization model that captures both epidemiological and economic considerations. In this model, increasing the rate of vaccine deployment may increase or reduce the optimal total lockdown intensity and duration, depending on the values of other model parameters. That vaccines and lockdowns can act as either substitutes or complements even in a relatively simple model casts doubt on whether in more complicated models or the real world one should expect them to always be just one or the other. Within our model, for parameter values reflecting conditions in developed countries, the typical finding is to ease lockdown intensity gradually after substantial shares of the population have been vaccinated, but other strategies can be optimal for other parameter values. Reserving vaccines for those who have not yet been infected barely outperforms simpler strategies that ignore prior infection status. For certain parameter combinations, there are instances in which two quite different policies can perform equally well, and sometimes very small increases in vaccine capacity can tip the optimal solution to one that involves much longer and more intense lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Caulkins
- Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - D Grass
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg 2361, Austria
| | - G Feichtinger
- Department for Operations Research and Control Systems, Institute of Statistics and Mathematical Methods in Economics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - R F Hartl
- Department of Business Decisions and Analytics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P M Kort
- Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - M Kuhn
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg 2361, Austria
- Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/OeAW, University of Vienna), Austria
| | - A Prskawetz
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg 2361, Austria
- Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/OeAW, University of Vienna), Austria
- Research Group Economics, Institute of Statistics and Mathematical Methods in Economics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Sanchez-Romero
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg 2361, Austria
- Research Group Economics, Institute of Statistics and Mathematical Methods in Economics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Seidl
- Department of Business Decisions and Analytics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Wrzaczek
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Schlossplatz 1, Laxenburg 2361, Austria
- Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, VID/OeAW, University of Vienna), Austria
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Naserrudin NA, Jiee SF, Habil B, Jantim A, Mohamed AFB, Dony JJF, Ibrahim SSA, Fornace KM, Hassan MR, Jeffree MS, Hod R, Culleton R, Ahmed K. The public health response to a Plasmodium malariae outbreak in Penampang district, Sabah during a COVID-19 movement control order. Malar J 2023; 22:292. [PMID: 37789320 PMCID: PMC10546630 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2018, no indigenous human malaria cases has been reported in Malaysia. However, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic the World Health Organization is concerned that the pandemic might erode the success of malaria control as there are reports of increase malaria cases in resource limited countries. Little is known how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted malaria in middle-income countries like Malaysia. Here the public health response to a Plasmodium malariae outbreak occurred in a village in Sabah state, Malaysia, during a COVID-19 movement control order is reported. METHODS An outbreak was declared following the detection of P. malariae in July 2020 and active case detection for malaria was performed by collecting blood samples from residents residing within 2 km radius of Moyog village. Vector prevalence and the efficacy of residual insecticides were determined. Health awareness programmes were implemented to prevent future outbreaks. A survey was conducted among villagers to understand risk behaviour and beliefs concerning malaria. RESULTS A total of 5254 blood samples collected from 19 villages. Among them, 19 P. malariae cases were identified, including the index case, which originated from a man who returned from Indonesia. His return from Indonesia and healthcare facilities visit coincided with the movement control order during COVID-19 pandemic when the healthcare facilities stretched its capacity and only serious cases were given priority. Despite the index case being a returnee from a malaria endemic area presenting with mild fever, no malaria test was performed at local healthcare facilities. All cases were symptomatic and uncomplicated except for a pregnant woman with severe malaria. There were no deaths; all patients recovered following treatment with artemether-lumefantrine combination therapy. Anopheles balabacensis and Anopheles barbirostris were detected in ponds, puddles and riverbeds. The survey revealed that fishing and hunting during night, and self-treatment for mild symptoms contributed to the outbreak. Despite the index case being a returnee from a malaria-endemic area presenting with mild fever, no malaria test was performed at local healthcare facilities. CONCLUSION The outbreak occurred during a COVID-19 movement control order, which strained healthcare facilities, prioritizing only serious cases. Healthcare workers need to be more aware of the risk of malaria from individuals who return from malaria endemic areas. To achieve malaria elimination and prevention of disease reintroduction, new strategies that include multisectoral agencies and active community participation are essential for a more sustainable malaria control programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Athirah Naserrudin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
- Sabah State Health Department, Ministry of Health, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Sam Froze Jiee
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
| | - Bobby Habil
- Penampang District Health Office, Ministry of Health, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Anisah Jantim
- Penampang District Health Office, Ministry of Health, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Kimberly M Fornace
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Centre for Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mohd Rohaizat Hassan
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Saffree Jeffree
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Rozita Hod
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | | | - Kamruddin Ahmed
- Borneo Medical Health and Research Centre,, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
- Research Center for Global and Local Infectious Diseases, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
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Xu M, Hu YX, Lu SN, Idris MA, Zhou SD, Yang J, Feng XN, Huang YM, Xu X, Chen Y, Wang DQ. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Africa and China's upgraded role as a contributor: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:63. [PMID: 37403183 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children under five are the vulnerable population most at risk of being infected with Plasmodium parasites, especially in the Sahel region. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), has proven to be a highly effective intervention to prevent malaria. Given more deaths reported during the COVID-19 pandemic than in previous years due to the disruptions to essential medical services, it is, therefore, necessary to seek a more coordinated and integrated approach to increasing the pace, coverage and resilience of SMC. Towards this end, fully leverage the resources of major players in the global fight against malaria, such as China could accelerate the SMC process in Africa. METHODS We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase for research articles and the Institutional Repository for Information Sharing of WHO for reports on SMC. We used gap analysis to investigate the challenges and gaps of SMC since COVID-19. Through the above methods to explore China's prospective contribution to SMC. RESULTS A total of 68 research articles and reports were found. Through gap analysis, we found that despite the delays in the SMC campaign, 11.8 million children received SMC in 2020. However, there remained some challenges: (1) a shortage of fully covered monthly courses; (2) lack of adherence to the second and third doses of amodiaquine; (3) four courses of SMC are not sufficient to cover the entire malaria transmission season in areas where the peak transmission lasts longer; (4) additional interventions are needed to consolidate SMC efforts. China was certified malaria-free by WHO in 2021, and its experience and expertise in malaria elimination can be shared with high-burden countries. With the potential to join the multilateral cooperation in SMC, including the supply of quality-assured health commodities, know-how transfer and experience sharing, China is expected to contribute to the ongoing scale-up of SMC. CONCLUSIONS A combination of necessary preventive and curative activities may prove beneficial both for targeted populations and for health system strengthening in the long run. More actions are entailed to promote the partnership and China can be one of the main contributors with various roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xu
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Xuan Hu
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shen-Ning Lu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Shu-Duo Zhou
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Ning Feng
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Mu Huang
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xian Xu
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Duo-Quan Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research On Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Kim JY, Oh S, Yoon M, Yong TS. Importance of Balanced Attention Toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Neglected Tropical Diseases. Yonsei Med J 2023; 64:351-358. [PMID: 37226561 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2022.0656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has been spreading since 2019, causing a worldwide pandemic. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, tuberculosis, AIDS, and malaria have adversely affected the quality of life of patients and killed millions of people. In addition, COVID-19 continues to impede the delivery of health services, including those for the control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Furthermore, NTDs have been reported as possible co-pathogens among patients infected with COVID-19. However, studies regarding parasitic co-infection among these patients have been limited. This review aimed to explore and describe the cases and reports of parasitic infections in the backdrop of COVID-19 to provide comprehensive knowledge regarding this aspect. We reviewed seven cases of patients who had parasitic co-infection and tested positive for COVID-19, and summarized the literature on the importance of controlling parasitic diseases. In addition, we identified recommendations for the control of parasitic diseases under possible difficulties, such as declining funding for parasitic diseases in 2020. This review highlights the growing burden of NTDs under COVID-19 that may be caused by the deficiency of healthcare infrastructure and human resources as the main reasons. Clinicians should remain vigilant for possible co-infections with parasites in COVID-19 patients, while policymakers are urged to reinforce a balanced and long-term health strategy that addresses both NTDs and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Singeun Oh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moonsoo Yoon
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Seyoum TF, Andualem Z, Yalew HF. Insecticide-treated bed net use and associated factors among households having under-five children in East Africa: a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis. Malar J 2023; 22:10. [PMID: 36611186 PMCID: PMC9826573 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though malaria is preventable, it remains the leading cause of under-five morbidity and mortality in low-and middle-income countries. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, its advantage, and its free-of-cost access, the utilization of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) is still low in East Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess ITN use and associated factors among households having under-five children in East Africa. METHODS The most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) datasets of East African countries were used. A total of 174,411 weighted samples was used for analysis. Given the hierarchical nature of DHS data, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with ITN use. Four models were fitted and a model with the lowest deviance value was chosen as the best-fitted model for the data. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association. RESULTS In this study, the proportion of ITN use among households having under-five children in East Africa was 46.32% (95% CI 46.08%, 46.55%), ranging from 11.8% in Zimbabwe to 70.03% in Rwanda. In the multivariable analysis, being in the age group 25-34 years, married, widowed, and divorced, primary and post-primary education, wealthy households, having a lower household size, many under-five children, having media exposure, and male-headed households were associated with higher odds of ITN use. Moreover, respondents from a rural place of residence, communities with a higher level of media exposure, communities with lower poverty levels, and communities with higher education levels had higher odds of ITN use. CONCLUSION In this study, the proportion of ITN use was relatively low. Both individual and community-level factors were associated with ITN use. Therefore, giving attention, especially to those who had no formal education, the poor, younger age groups, and households with the large family size is advisable to increase awareness about ITN use. Moreover, media campaigns regarding ITN use should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Fekadu Seyoum
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zewudu Andualem
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Hailemariam Feleke Yalew
- grid.59547.3a0000 0000 8539 4635Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, P. O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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11
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Lawal L, Aminu Bello M, Murwira T, Avoka C, Yusuf Ma'aruf S, Harrison Omonhinmin I, Maluleke P, Tsagkaris C, Onyeaka H. Low coverage of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa: current evidence and the way forward. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2034457. [PMID: 35240908 PMCID: PMC9009957 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2034457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Disparities in COVID-19 vaccine coverage across the globe have uncovered inequities in global healthcare. While more than half of the population of the developed countries have been fully vaccinated, only a small percentage of the African population has received one vaccine dose so far, a far cry from the global vaccination targets. Furthermore, several low and middle income (LMICs) African countries lack the competence, infrastructure, logistics, and financial resources to mass-vaccinate their populations. This paper highlights the causes and implications of the low COVID-19 vaccine coverage on Africa and the global community, and discusses strategies for restructuring and strengthening COVID-19 vaccination in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukman Lawal
- Academy of Public Health, West African Institute of Public Health, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Munira Aminu Bello
- Academy of Public Health, West African Institute of Public Health, Abuja, Nigeria.,College of Basic Medical Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Tonderai Murwira
- Academy of Public Health, West African Institute of Public Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Clement Avoka
- Academy of Public Health, West African Institute of Public Health, Abuja, Nigeria.,Akyemansa District Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Eastern Region, Ghana
| | | | - Imoetin Harrison Omonhinmin
- Academy of Public Health, West African Institute of Public Health, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.,Swansea Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Pamela Maluleke
- Academy of Public Health, West African Institute of Public Health, Abuja, Nigeria.,Department of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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12
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Lambert N, Kengne-Ouafo JA, Rissy WM, Diane U, Murithi K, Kimani P, Awe OI, Dillman A. Transcriptional Profiles Analysis of COVID-19 and Malaria Patients Reveals Potential Biomarkers in Children. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.06.30.498338. [PMID: 35794887 PMCID: PMC9258287 DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.30.498338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The clinical presentation overlap between malaria and COVID-19 poses special challenges for rapid diagnosis in febrile children. In this study, we collected RNA-seq data of children with malaria and COVID-19 infection from the public databases as raw data in fastq format paired end files. A group of six, five and two biological replicates of malaria, COVID-19 and healthy donors respectively were used for the study. We conducted differential gene expression analysis to visualize differences in the expression profiles. Using edgeR, we explored particularly gene expression levels in different phenotype groups and found that 1084 genes and 2495 genes were differentially expressed in the malaria samples and COVID-19 samples respectively when compared to healthy controls. The highly expressed gene in the COVID-19 group we found CD151 gene which is facilitates in T cell proliferation, while in the malaria group, among the highly expressed gene we identified GBP5 gene which involved in inflammatory response and response to bacterium. By comparing both malaria and COVID-19 infections, the overlap of 62 differentially expressed genes patterns were identified. Among them, three genes (ENSG00000234998, H2AC19 and TXNDC5) were highly upregulated in both infections. Strikingly, we observed 13 genes such as HBQ1, HBM, SLC7A5, SERINC2, ATP6V0C, ST6GALNAC4, RAD23A, PNPLA2, GAS2L1, TMEM86B, SLC6A8, UBALD1, RNF187 were downregulated in children with malaria and uniquely upregulated in children with COVID-19, thus may be further validated as potential biomarkers to delineate COVID-19 from malaria-related febrile infection. The hemoglobin complexes and lipid metabolism biological pathways are highly expressed in both infections. Our study provided new insights for further investigation of the biological pattern in hosts with malaria and COVID-19 coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nzungize Lambert
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
- Synthetic Biology and Omics Data Center, SynbioRwanda, Rwanda
| | - Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
| | - Wesonga Makokha Rissy
- African Institute of biomedical science and technology (AiBST), Wilkins Hospital, Block C, Corner J. Tongogara and R. Zimbabwe
- Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), P.BAG 7724, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Ken Murithi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Peter Kimani
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
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13
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Aborode AT, Fajemisin EA, Aiyenuro EA, Alakitan MT, Ariwoola MO, Imisioluwa JO, Rafiu R, Alexiou A. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: Special Focus on Control Strategies. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2022; 25:2387-2390. [PMID: 35490317 DOI: 10.2174/1386207325666220427123349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of twenty (20) chronic, communicable, infectious diseases endemic to the tropics and sub-tropics climate countries, which are intimately associated with poverty, poor sanitation, limited clean water, and healthcare delivery; and dwellers live in proximity to pathogens and diseases vectors. The pathogens are protozoans, bacteria, helminths, fungi, and viruses. NTDs currently affect about one billion people globally, out of which 500 million are Africans living in rural settlements with low political voice and support. In recent years, NTDs have received little research recognition, development, and funding because more research efforts by global health stakeholders are focused on recognized diseases like cancers, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and malaria that affects most developed countries. The emergence of the viral novel COVID-19 will exacerbate the burden of NTDs on disadvantaged communities as global health efforts are again focused on COVID-19 clearance in terms of research and development to find a drug/vaccine amidst other investigations on recognized infections. This development can result in high death tolls due to NTDs if control measures are not prioritized now. This perspective addresses the need for NTDs control amidst COVID-19 clearance efforts to mitigate another viral health crisis in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullahi Tunde Aborode
- Healthy Africans Platform, Research and Development, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Toufik\\\\\\\'s World Medical Association, Research and Development, Sumy, Ukraine
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Olaide Ariwoola
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States of America
| | | | - Raheemt Rafiu
- Department of Chemistry, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Australia and AFNP Med, Wien, Austria
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14
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Mbim EN, Edet UO, Okoroiwu HU, Nwaokorie FO, Edet AE, Owolabi A, I MC. Arbovirus and its potential to lead the next global pandemic from sub-Saharan Africa: What lessons have we learned from COVID-19? Germs 2022; 12:538-547. [PMID: 38021188 PMCID: PMC10660220 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2022.1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Risk and predisposing factors for viral zoonoses abound in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region with significant public health implications. For several decades, there have been several reports on the emergence and re-emergence of arbovirus infections. The lifetime burden of arboviral diseases in developing countries is still poorly understood. Studies indicate significant healthcare disruptions and economic losses attributed to the viruses in resource-poor communities marked by impairment in the performance of daily activities. Arboviruses have reportedly evolved survival strategies to aid their proliferation in favorable niches, further magnifying their public health relevance. However, there is poor knowledge about the viruses in the region. Thus, this review presents a survey of zoonotic arboviruses in SSA, the burden associated with their diseases, management of diseases as well as their prevention and control, mobility and determinants of infections, their vectors, and co-infection with various microorganisms. Lessons learned from the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic coupled with routine surveillance of zoonotic hosts for these viruses will improve our understanding of their evolution, their potential to cause a pandemic, control and prevention measures, and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Mbim
- PhD, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Arthur Jarvis University, Brigadier Dan Archibong Drive, Ikot Effanga Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Uwem Okon Edet
- PhD, Department of Biological Sciences (Microbiology), Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Arthur Jarvis University, Brigadier Dan Archibong Drive, Ikot Effanga Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Henshaw Uchechi Okoroiwu
- PhD, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Arthur Jarvis University, Brigadier Dan Archibong Drive, Ikot Effanga Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Francisca O. Nwaokorie
- PhD, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, 12003, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Asanga Effiong Edet
- PhD, Department of Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry), Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Arthur Jarvis University, Brigadier Dan Archibong Drive, Ikot Effanga Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Ayo Owolabi
- MSc, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Arthur Jarvis University, Brigadier Dan Archibong Drive, Ikot Effanga Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Mboto Clement I
- PhD, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B 1115, Etta Agbo Rd, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
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15
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Chen F, Chen X, Gu P, Sang X, Wu R, Tian M, Ye Y, Long C, Bishwajit G, Ji L, Feng D, Yang L, Tang S. The economic burden of malaria inpatients and its determinants during China's elimination stage. Front Public Health 2022; 10:994529. [PMID: 36388376 PMCID: PMC9651145 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.994529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria burden is still worrisome, while empirical evidence from malaria-eliminated countries including China may provide inspiration for the world. Objective This study aimed to investigate China's malaria hospitalization costs and explore its determinants. Methods Stratified multistage sampling across provincial, municipal, and county hospitals was conducted in 2017. All the malaria medical records were retrieved from 2014 to 2016 in 70 hospitals. Parametric and non-parametric methods were employed to estimate hospitalization costs, and the non-parametric bootstrap was used to compare hospitalization costs among sample areas and assessed the uncertainty of its differences. Quantile regressions were conducted to identify the determinants of hospitalization costs. Results The median hospitalization costs of 1633 malaria inpatients were 628 USD. Medication and laboratory tests accounted for over 70% of total expenditure. The median reimbursement rate was 41.87%, and this number was even lower in higher-level hospitals (<35%) and among the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (<40%). Finally, health insurance type, hospital tier, clinical units, unknown fever, and comorbidity were the main determinants of hospitalization costs. Conclusion The disparity of health protection for malaria hospitalization between rural and urban areas was noteworthy. Equivocal diagnosis and comorbidity are contributors of high cost as well. A reasonable payment system and enhanced capacities to treat malaria in a cost-effective way are suggested to reassure malaria economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfei Chen
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Gu
- Division of Comprehensive, China Science and Technology Exchange Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Sang
- Division of Comprehensive and Supervision, China Biotechnology Development Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruijun Wu
- Division of Strategy and Policy, China Biotechnology Development Center, Beijing, China
| | - Miaomiao Tian
- Division of Public Rights Protection, Beijing Municipal Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Yisheng Ye
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengxu Long
- Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ghose Bishwajit
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Ji
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Da Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Yang
- College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Lei Yang
| | - Shangfeng Tang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Shangfeng Tang
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16
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Akilimali A, Bisimwa C, Aborode AT, Biamba C, Sironge L, Balume A, Sayadi R, Ajibade SB, Akintayo AA, Oluwadairo TO, Fajemisin EA. Self-medication and Anti-malarial Drug Resistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): A silent threat. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:73. [PMID: 36195896 PMCID: PMC9533625 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is a global infectious (vector-borne: Anopheles mosquitoes) disease which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Among all its parasitic (protozoan: Plasmodium sp.) variants, Plasmodium falciparum (PF) is the most virulent and responsible for above 90% of global malaria deaths hence making it a global public health threat. Main context Despite current front-line antimalarial treatments options especially allopathic medications and malaria prevention (and control) strategies especially governmental policies and community malaria intervention programs in SSA, PF infections remains prevalent due to increased antimicrobial/antimalarial drug resistance caused by several factors especially genetic mutations and auto(self)-medication practices in SSA. In this article, we focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the largest SSA country by bringing perspective into the impact of self-medication and antimalarial drug resistance, and provided recommendation for long-term improvement and future analysis in malaria prevention and control in SSA. Conclusions Self-medication and anti-malarial drug resistance is a major challenge to malaria control in DRC and sub-Saharan Africa, and to achieve sustainable control, individual, community and governmental efforts must be aligned to stop self-medication, and strengthen the health systems against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymar Akilimali
- Faculty of Medicine, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo.
| | - Charles Bisimwa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Public Health, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo
| | | | | | - Leonard Sironge
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Public Health, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo
| | - Alain Balume
- Faculty of Medicine, Official University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR, Congo
| | - Rahma Sayadi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Akintola Ashraf Akintayo
- Department of Biomedical Convergence Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
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17
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Malaria Publications before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis. PUBLICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/publications10030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to affect malaria intervention strategies, the suspension of malaria elimination programs, and the publication of malaria research. We compared differences in authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The searches were performed online using the Scopus database on 8 April 2022. The searches were limited to two periods: before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021). The information of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared using frequency and percentage. The relationships between the most productive authors, countries, affiliations, journals, and frequently used keywords were visualized using the VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) software. A total of 2965 articles were identified in two periods and, among those, 1291 relevant studies were included. There was no difference in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (679 articles, 52.6% vs. 612 articles, 47.4%). Compared between the two periods, the preliminary trend of malaria publications in terms of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations were different. In conclusion, the current study showed the preliminary trends in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study would encourage researchers to perform a scoping review or systematic review to better understand the direction of malaria publications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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18
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Abugri J, Ayariga J, Sunwiale SS, Wezena CA, Gyamfi JA, Adu-Frimpong M, Agongo G, Dongdem JT, Abugri D, Dinko B. Targeting the Plasmodium falciparum proteome and organelles for potential antimalarial drug candidates. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10390. [PMID: 36033316 PMCID: PMC9398786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an unmet need to unearth alternative treatment options for malaria, wherein this quest is more pressing in recent times due to high morbidity and mortality data arising mostly from the endemic countries coupled with partial diversion of attention from the disease in view of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. Available therapeutic options for malaria have been severely threatened with the emergence of resistance to almost all the antimalarial drugs by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite in humans, which is a worrying situation. Artemisinin combination therapies (ACT) that have so far been the mainstay of malaria have encountered resistance by malaria parasite in South East Asia, which is regarded as a notorious ground zero for the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs. This review analyzes a few key druggable targets for the parasite and the potential of specific inhibitors to mitigate the emerging antimalarial drug resistance problem by providing a concise assessment of the essential proteins of the malaria parasite that could serve as targets. Moreover, this work provides a summary of the advances made in malaria parasite biology and the potential to leverage these findings for antimalarial drug production.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Abugri
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Joseph Ayariga
- The Biomedical Engineering Programme, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Samuel Sunyazi Sunwiale
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Cletus Adiyaga Wezena
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biosciences, University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Julien Agyemang Gyamfi
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Michael Adu-Frimpong
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Godfred Agongo
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Julius Tieroyaare Dongdem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. School of Medicine. University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale-Campus, Ghana
| | - Daniel Abugri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology PhD Programme, Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Parasitology, and Drug Discovery, College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Alabama State University, Montgomery, USA
| | - Bismarck Dinko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho. Ghana
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19
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Adeyemo AO, Aborode AT, Bello MA, Obianuju AF, Hasan MM, Kehinde DO, Hossain MS, Bardhan M, Imisioluwa JO, Akintola AA. Malaria vaccine: The lasting solution to malaria burden in Africa. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 79:104031. [PMID: 35761818 PMCID: PMC9220753 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in Africa. Many measures have been taken over the past few years to reduce the burden of malaria on public health following the recommendation of WHO, still, malaria has continued to rake devastation in Africa. Combating malaria in Africa has grown into an international concern. The eradication of malaia is a long-standing goal of public health initiatives globally. The development of vaccines will go a long way to provide the required immunity needed for the people living with malaria or vulnerable to malaria. It is imperative that a vaccine should be produced and rolled out for use, especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when attention is given to mitigating the impact of the pandemic on public health. The malaria vaccine will reduce the number of hospital admission for malaria illness among children and other age groups. Africa will need to build strong innovations to overcome country-specific challenges in vaccination drive, human resources, and supply chain management. Accelerating education, sensitization, diagnosis, and eradication through joint efforts of the government, healthcare professionals and general population will help to prevent the dual synchronous epidemic of COVID-19 and Malaria in Africa.
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20
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Greene L, Uwishema O, Nicholas A, Kapoor A, Berjaoui C, Adamolekun E, Khoury C, Mohammed FEA, Onyeaka H. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: Efforts, recommendations and challenges at hand. Afr J Emerg Med 2022; 12:117-120. [PMID: 35223387 PMCID: PMC8858690 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
CCHF is endemic in Africa with a 40% case fatality rate. COVID-19 pandemic leads to Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreak in Africa. Some common occupations amongst Africans like agricultural laborers, slaughterhouse employees, and veterinarians, are at a higher risk of contracting CCHF.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions have suffered globally and as a result, attention and resources for other diseases, such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), has declined. Despite a significantly lower incidence rate compared to COVID-19, CCHF has a considerably higher mortality rate at approximately 30%. Both diseases share symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, sore throat, however they have different modes of transmission, mortality rates, and incubation periods. Public health professionals have faced several challenges when attempting to prevent and control the spread of both diseases and despite their differences, many of the prevention methods remain the same. These include increasing public awareness regarding avoiding contact with infected individuals and animals, training healthcare professionals in emergency and preparedness for disease outbreaks and increasing the investment in medical supplies and treatment to control the spread of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Greene
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, USA
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- Research and Education, Oli Health Magazine Organization, Kigali, Rwanda
- Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Aderinto Nicholas
- Research and Education, Oli Health Magazine Organization, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Arushi Kapoor
- Department of Biotechnology, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Delhi, India
| | - Christin Berjaoui
- Research and Education, Oli Health Magazine Organization, Kigali, Rwanda
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Emmanuel Adamolekun
- Research and Education, Oli Health Magazine Organization, Kigali, Rwanda
- Olikoye Ransom Kuti Memorial Hospital, Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Helix Biogen Research Institute, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
| | - Carlo Khoury
- Research and Education, Oli Health Magazine Organization, Kigali, Rwanda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Saint Joseph, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Elbasri Abuelgasim Mohammed
- Research and Education, Oli Health Magazine Organization, Kigali, Rwanda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
- Corresponding author.
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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21
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Oyegoke OO, Maharaj L, Akoniyon OP, Kwoji I, Roux AT, Adewumi TS, Maharaj R, Oyebola BT, Adeleke MA, Okpeku M. Malaria diagnostic methods with the elimination goal in view. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1867-1885. [PMID: 35460369 PMCID: PMC9033523 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07512-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria control measures have been in use for years but have not completely curbed the spread of infection. Ultimately, global elimination is the goal. A major playmaker in the various approaches to reaching the goal is the issue of proper diagnosis. Various diagnostic techniques were adopted in different regions and geographical locations over the decades, and these have invariably produced diverse outcomes. In this review, we looked at the various approaches used in malaria diagnostics with a focus on methods favorably used during pre-elimination and elimination phases as well as in endemic regions. Microscopy, rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are common methods applied depending on prevailing factors, each with its strengths and limitations. As the drive toward the elimination goal intensifies, the search for ideal, simple, fast, and reliable point-of-care diagnostic tools is needed more than ever before to be used in conjunction with a functional surveillance system supported by the ideal vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olukunle O Oyegoke
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leah Maharaj
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Oluwasegun P Akoniyon
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Illiya Kwoji
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alexandra T Roux
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Taiye S Adewumi
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajendra Maharaj
- Office of Malaria Research, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Matthew A Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa.
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22
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Rosenthal PJ, Björkman A, Dhorda M, Djimde A, Dondorp AM, Gaye O, Guerin PJ, Juma E, Kwiatkowski DP, Merson L, Ntoumi F, Price RN, Raman J, Roos DS, ter Kuile F, Tinto H, Tomko SS, White NJ, Barnes KI. Cooperation in Countering Artemisinin Resistance in Africa: Learning from COVID-19. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:tpmd220148. [PMID: 35413688 PMCID: PMC9209939 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Björkman
- Malaria Group, University of Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Abdoulaye Djimde
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Oumar Gaye
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, L’Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe J. Guerin
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network and Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Juma
- World Health Organization African Regional Office, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Laura Merson
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network and Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise pour la Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ric N. Price
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network and Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Jaishree Raman
- South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David S. Roos
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Feiko ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Karen I. Barnes
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Pharmacology Scientific Module, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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23
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Formenti B, Gregori N, Crosato V, Marchese V, Tomasoni LR, Castelli F. The impact of COVID-19 on communicable and non-communicable diseases in Africa: a narrative review. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2022; 30:30-40. [PMID: 35350264 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately impacted global human health, economy, and security. Because of weaker health-care systems, existing comorbidities burden (HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and non-communicable conditions), and poor socioeconomic determinants, initial predictive models had forecast a disastrous impact of COVID-19 in Africa in terms of transmission, severity, and deaths. Nonetheless, current epidemiological data seem not to have matched expectations, showing lower SARS-CoV-2 infection and fatality rates compared to Europe, the Americas and Asia. However, only few studies were conducted in low- and middle-income African settings where high poverty and limited access to health services worsen underlying health conditions, including endemic chronic infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. Furthermore, limited, and heterogeneous research was conducted to evaluate the indirect impact of the pandemic on general health services and on major diseases across African countries. International mitigation measures, such as resource reallocation, lockdowns, social restrictions, and fear from the population have had multi-sectoral impacts on various aspects of everyday life, that shaped the general health response. Despite the vast heterogeneity of data across African countries, available evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the control and prevention programs, the diagnosis capacity and the adherence to treatment of major infectious diseases (HIV, TB, and Malaria) - including neglected diseases - and non-communicable diseases. Future research and efforts are essential to deeply assess the medium- and long-term impact of the pandemic, and to implement tailored interventions to mitigate the standstill on decades of improvement on public health programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Formenti
- UNESCO Training and Empowering Human Resources for Health Development in Resource-Limited Countries, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Natalia Gregori
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | - Verena Crosato
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Marchese
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Castelli
- UNESCO Training and Empowering Human Resources for Health Development in Resource-Limited Countries, University of Brescia, Italy.,Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
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24
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Runge M, Thawer SG, Molteni F, Chacky F, Mkude S, Mandike R, Snow RW, Lengeler C, Mohamed A, Pothin E. Sub-national tailoring of malaria interventions in Mainland Tanzania: simulation of the impact of strata-specific intervention combinations using modelling. Malar J 2022; 21:92. [PMID: 35300707 PMCID: PMC8929286 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To accelerate progress against malaria in high burden countries, a strategic reorientation of resources at the sub-national level is needed. This paper describes how mathematical modelling was used in mainland Tanzania to support the strategic revision that followed the mid-term review of the 2015–2020 national malaria strategic plan (NMSP) and the epidemiological risk stratification at the council level in 2018. Methods Intervention mixes, selected by the National Malaria Control Programme, were simulated for each malaria risk strata per council. Intervention mixes included combinations of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN), indoor residual spraying, larval source management, and intermittent preventive therapies for school children (IPTsc). Effective case management was either based on estimates from the malaria indicator survey in 2016 or set to a hypothetical target of 85%. A previously calibrated mathematical model in OpenMalaria was used to compare intervention impact predictions for prevalence and incidence between 2016 and 2020, or 2022. Results For each malaria risk stratum four to ten intervention mixes were explored. In the low-risk and urban strata, the scenario without a ITN mass campaign in 2019, predicted high increase in prevalence by 2020 and 2022, while in the very-low strata the target prevalence of less than 1% was maintained at low pre-intervention transmission intensity and high case management. In the moderate and high strata, IPTsc in addition to existing vector control was predicted to reduce the incidence by an additional 15% and prevalence by 22%. In the high-risk strata, all interventions together reached a maximum reduction of 76%, with around 70% of that reduction attributable to high case management and ITNs. Overall, the simulated revised NMSP was predicted to achieve a slightly lower prevalence in 2020 compared to the 2015–2020 NMSP (5.3% vs 6.3%). Conclusion Modelling supported the choice of intervention per malaria risk strata by providing impact comparisons of various alternative intervention mixes to address specific questions relevant to the country. The use of a council-calibrated model, that reproduces local malaria trends, represents a useful tool for compiling available evidence into a single analytical platform, that complement other evidence, to aid national programmes with decision-making processes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04099-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Runge
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sumaiyya G Thawer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Molteni
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Chacky
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sigsbert Mkude
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Renata Mandike
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Robert W Snow
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christian Lengeler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Emilie Pothin
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,CHAI, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New York, USA.
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25
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Pellegrino J, Tapera O, Mberikunashe J, Kanyangarara M. Malaria service provision in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe during the coronavirus pandemic: a cross-sectional survey of health facilities. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.29392/001c.31597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar Tapera
- SADTAP Health Research Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
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26
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Uwishema O, Chalhoub E, Torbati T, David SC, Khoury C, Ribeiro LLPA, Nasrallah Y, Bekele BK, Onyeaka H. Rift Valley fever during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: A double burden for Africa's healthcare system. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e468. [PMID: 35024458 PMCID: PMC8733828 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A new rising incidence of Rift Valley fever (RVF) among livestock and humans in the African continent during the COVID‐19 pandemic has become of increasing concern. We analyzed the different ways COVID‐19 has contributed to the increase in RVF cases and how it has impacted the interventions allocated to the disease by comparing it with the status of the disease before the pandemic. There is enough evidence to conclude that the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the efforts being taken to prevent outbreaks of RVF. Therefore, with no definitive treatment in place and inadequate preventive measures and disease control, RVF may potentially lead to a future epidemic unless addressed urgently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization Research and Education Kigali Rwanda.,Clinton Global Initiative University Research and Education New York New York USA.,Faculty of Medicine Karadeniz Technical University Trabzon Turkey
| | - Elie Chalhoub
- Oli Health Magazine Organization Research and Education Kigali Rwanda.,Faculty of Medicine University of Saint Joseph of Beirut Beirut Lebanon
| | - Tania Torbati
- Department of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences Pomona California USA
| | - Success Chekwube David
- Oli Health Magazine Organization Research and Education Kigali Rwanda.,Faculty of pharmaceutical Sciences University of Nigeria Enugu Nigeria
| | - Carlo Khoury
- Oli Health Magazine Organization Research and Education Kigali Rwanda.,Faculty of Medicine University of Saint Joseph of Beirut Beirut Lebanon
| | | | - Yves Nasrallah
- Oli Health Magazine Organization Research and Education Kigali Rwanda.,School of Medicine & Medical Sciences Holy Spirit University of Kaslik Beirut Lebanon
| | - Bezawit Kassahun Bekele
- Oli Health Magazine Organization Research and Education Kigali Rwanda.,Addis Ababa University College of Health Science, School of Medicine Addis Ababa Ethiopia
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
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27
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Fadare JO, Adeoti AO, Dada SA, Dele-Ojo BF, Raimi TH, Isikekpei B, Ajayi AO, Ajayi EA. COVID-19 Pandemic- Ethical Challenges for Healthcare Workers Practicing in Resource-Limited Settings. Niger Med J 2022; 63:1-9. [PMID: 38798972 PMCID: PMC11117041 DOI: 10.60787/nmj-63-1-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, the ethical issues peculiar to the COVID-19 pandemics and the role of healthcare workers, especially those in resource-limited settings are x-rayed. We contend that there is a pressing ethical issue that needs urgent clarification on the rights and responsibilities of healthcare workers, especially in the current context of COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and responsiveness. We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PUBMED related articles, newspaper articles, and online news sources for relevant information. The various professional codes of conduct (World Medical Association, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria) were also consulted. The ethical principles of equitable distribution of healthcare resources, confidentiality with associated stigmatization, issues relating to duty to care by the healthcare workers and those pertaining to conduct of clinical trials and access to approved therapies or vaccines were highlighted in this study. We agree with the submission that healthcare workers only have a moral duty to treat patients with COVID-19 if the necessary protective equipment and adequate compensation are not provided. We argue that the duty of physicians and other healthcare workers to care for patients during pandemics such as COVID-19 is obligatory in the absence of required protective equipment and other forms of compensation. There is a need for the government and other stakeholders to put in place a National Pandemic /Epidemic Ethical Framework to address these identified ethical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuel Ayokunle Dada
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | | | - Taiwo Hussean Raimi
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Brenda Isikekpei
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Ebenezer Adekunle Ajayi
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria
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28
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Shrivastava S, Shrivastava P. Exploring the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic on malaria and identifying the strategies for the containment of twin infections. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE NURSING 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jin.jin_59_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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29
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Bassey EE, Hasan MM, Costa ACDS, Tsagkaris C, Aborode AT, Karra-Aly A, Essar MY, Ahmad S. Typhoid fever and COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: a call for coordinated action. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2021; 19:eCE6796. [PMID: 34932777 PMCID: PMC8687648 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2021ce6796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, BD, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | - Ayah Karra-Aly
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, CA, Canada
| | | | - Shoaib Ahmad
- Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, PK, Pakistan
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30
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Namuganga JF, Briggs J, Roh ME, Okiring J, Kisambira Y, Sserwanga A, Kapisi JA, Arinaitwe E, Ebong C, Ssewanyana I, Maiteki-Ssebuguzi C, Kamya MR, Staedke SG, Dorsey G, Nankabirwa JI. Impact of COVID-19 on routine malaria indicators in rural Uganda: an interrupted time series analysis. Malar J 2021; 20:475. [PMID: 34930317 PMCID: PMC8685800 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In March 2020, the government of Uganda implemented a strict lockdown policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was performed to assess whether major changes in outpatient attendance, malaria burden, and case management occurred after the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic in rural Uganda. Methods Individual level data from all outpatient visits collected from April 2017 to March 2021 at 17 facilities were analysed. Outcomes included total outpatient visits, malaria cases, non-malarial visits, proportion of patients with suspected malaria, proportion of patients tested using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and proportion of malaria cases prescribed artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations and fractional regression was used to model count and proportion outcomes, respectively. Pre-COVID trends (April 2017-March 2020) were used to predict the’expected’ trend in the absence of COVID-19 introduction. Effects of COVID-19 were estimated over two six-month COVID-19 time periods (April 2020-September 2020 and October 2020–March 2021) by dividing observed values by expected values, and expressed as ratios. Results A total of 1,442,737 outpatient visits were recorded. Malaria was suspected in 55.3% of visits and 98.8% of these had a malaria diagnostic test performed. ITSA showed no differences between observed and expected total outpatient visits, malaria cases, non-malarial visits, or proportion of visits with suspected malaria after COVID-19 onset. However, in the second six months of the COVID-19 time period, there was a smaller mean proportion of patients tested with RDTs compared to expected (relative prevalence ratio (RPR) = 0.87, CI (0.78–0.97)) and a smaller mean proportion of malaria cases prescribed AL (RPR = 0.94, CI (0.90–0.99)). Conclusions In the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Uganda, there were no major effects on malaria disease burden and indicators of case management at these 17 rural health facilities, except for a modest decrease in the proportion of RDTs used for malaria diagnosis and the mean proportion of malaria cases prescribed AL in the second half of the COVID-19 pandemic year. Continued surveillance will be essential to monitor for changes in trends in malaria indicators so that Uganda can quickly and flexibly respond to challenges imposed by COVID-19. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-04018-0.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Briggs
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle E Roh
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute of Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jaffer Okiring
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - James A Kapisi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Chris Ebong
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joaniter I Nankabirwa
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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31
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Sangoro OP, Fillinger U, Saili K, Nkya TE, Marubu R, Masaninga F, Trigo SC, Tarumbwa C, Hamainza B, Baltazar C, Mberikunashe J, Chisanga B, Menale K, Chanda E, Mutero CM. Evaluating the efficacy, impact, and feasibility of community-based house screening as a complementary malaria control intervention in southern Africa: a study protocol for a household randomized trial. Trials 2021; 22:883. [PMID: 34872600 PMCID: PMC8646012 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05768-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerted effort to control malaria has had a substantial impact on the transmission of the disease in the past two decades. In areas where reduced malaria transmission is being sustained through insecticide-based vector control interventions, primarily long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), non-insecticidal complementary tools will likely be needed to push towards malaria elimination. Once interruption in local disease transmission is achieved, insecticide-based measures can be scaled down gradually and eventually phased out, saving on costs of sustaining control programs and mitigating any unintended negative health and environmental impacts posed by insecticides. These non-insecticidal methods could eventually replace insecticidal methods of vector control. House screening, a non-insecticidal method, has a long history in malaria control, but is still not widely adopted in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to add to the evidence base for this intervention in low transmission settings by assessing the efficacy, impact, and feasibility of house screening in areas where LLINs are conventionally used for malaria control. METHODS A two-armed, household randomized clinical trial will be conducted in Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to evaluate whether combined the use of house screens and LLINs affords better protection against clinical malaria in children between 6 months and 13 years compared to the sole use of LLINs. Eight hundred households will be enrolled in each study area, where 400 households will be randomly assigned the intervention, house screening, and LLINs while the control households will be provided with LLINs only. Clinical malaria incidence will be estimated by actively following up one child from each household for 6 months over the malaria transmission season. Cross-sectional parasite prevalence will be estimated by testing all participating children for malaria parasites at the beginning and end of each transmission season using rapid diagnostic tests. CDC light traps and pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) will be used to sample adult mosquitoes and evaluate the impact of house screening on indoor mosquito density, species distribution, and sporozoite rates. DISCUSSION This study will contribute epidemiological data on the impact of house screening on malaria transmission and assess the feasibility of its implementation on a programmatic scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov PACTR202008524310568 . Registered on August 11, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyango P Sangoro
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Ulrike Fillinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kochelani Saili
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Rose Marubu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Brian Chisanga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Kassie Menale
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emmanuel Chanda
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Clifford Maina Mutero
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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32
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Uwishema O, Okereke M, Onyeaka H, Hasan MM, Donatus D, Martin Z, Oluwatomisin LA, Mhanna M, Olumide AO, Sun J, Adanur I. Threats and outbreaks of cholera in Africa amidst COVID-19 pandemic: a double burden on Africa's health systems. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:93. [PMID: 34819175 PMCID: PMC8611385 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year, about 4 million cases and 143,000 deaths due to cholera are recorded globally, of which 54% were from Africa, reported in 2016. The outbreak and spread of cholera have risen exponentially particularly in Africa. Coupled with the recent emergence of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) in Africa, the local health systems are facing a double burden of these infectious diseases due to their cumulative impact. In this paper, we evaluate the dual impact of cholera and COVID-19 in Africa and suggest plausible interventions that can be put in place to cushion its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda. .,Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, USA. .,Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey.
| | - Melody Okereke
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Deocles Donatus
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,University of Dar es salaam Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Zebadiah Martin
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Mbeya Zonal Consultant Hospital, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Lawal Abdulwahab Oluwatomisin
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Melissa Mhanna
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Saint Joseph Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Adesipe Olaoluwa Olumide
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Jeffrey Sun
- Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, USA.,Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Irem Adanur
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey
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33
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Badmos AO, Alaran AJ, Adebisi YA, Bouaddi O, Onibon Z, Dada A, Lin X, Lucero-Prisno DE. What sub-Saharan African countries can learn from malaria elimination in China. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:86. [PMID: 34689839 PMCID: PMC8542407 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00379-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most devastating diseases plaguing the sub-Saharan African region since time immemorial. In spite of a global reduction in mortality rates, a significant proportion of deaths due to malaria is still accounted for in the region. China recently joined the 40 countries declared malaria free by the World Health Organization and became the first country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to be awarded the certification. We commented on the strategies employed by China to eliminate malaria, address challenges facing malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa, and derive lessons that could be learned in the sub-Saharan African context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xu Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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34
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Uwishema O, Abbas KS, Torbati T, Abdelrahman GH, Ajagbe AO, Tariq R, Sleiman H, Akın BT, Onyeaka H, Jain S. The second wave of COVID-19 hits Nepal: Burden for Nepal's healthcare system. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e371. [PMID: 34632093 PMCID: PMC8486020 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Uwishema
- Research and Education Oli Health Magazine Organization Kigali Rwanda.,Department of Research, Education and Projects Clinton Global Initiative University New York New York USA.,Faculty of Medicine Karadeniz Technical University Trabzon Turkey
| | | | - Tania Torbati
- Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Pomona California USA
| | | | - Abayomi Oyeyemi Ajagbe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria Abuja Nigeria
| | - Rabeet Tariq
- Department of General Medicine Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College Karachi Pakistan
| | - Hadi Sleiman
- Faculty of Medicine Yeditepe University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Burak Talha Akın
- Faculty of Medicine Karadeniz Technical University Trabzon Turkey
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham Birmingham UK
| | - Shubhika Jain
- Department of General Medicine Kasturba Medical College Manipal India
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35
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Aborode AT, Fajemisin EA, Ekwebelem OC, Tsagkaris C, Taiwo EA, Uwishema O, Awoniyi OO, Ahmad S, Essar MY, Adanur I, Yunusa I. Vaccine hesitancy in Africa: causes and strategies to the rescue. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2021; 9:25151355211047514. [PMID: 34604696 PMCID: PMC8481750 DOI: 10.1177/25151355211047514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Edeh Abigael Taiwo
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Shoaib Ahmad
- Department of Pediatrics, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Irem Adanur
- Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ismaeel Yunusa
- Department of ClinicalPharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, USA
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36
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Wilairatana P, Masangkay FR, Kotepui KU, Milanez GDJ, Kotepui M. Prevalence and characteristics of malaria among COVID-19 individuals: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and analysis of case reports. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009766. [PMID: 34597315 PMCID: PMC8486116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world population is currently at a very high risk of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). People who live in malaria-endemic areas and get infected by SARS-CoV-2 may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 or unfavorable disease outcomes if they ignore their malaria status. Therefore, the present study aimed to synthesize, qualitatively and quantitatively, information on the prevalence and characteristics of malaria infection among COVID-19-infected individuals. The findings will help us better understand this particular comorbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the identification number: CRD42021247521. We searched for studies reporting on the coinfection of COVID-19 and malaria in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to March 27, 2021 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. The study's methodological quality in the search output was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools for cross-sectional study. The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection among patients infected with COVID-19 was estimated using the random effect model and then graphically presented as forest plots. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane Q and I2 statistics. The characteristics of patients co-infected with COVID-19 and malaria were derived from case reports and series and were formally analyzed using simple statistics. RESULTS Twelve of 1,207 studies reporting the coinfection of COVID-19 and malaria were selected for further analysis. Results of quantitative synthesis show that the pooled prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection (364 cases) among COVID-19 individuals (1,126 cases) is 11%, with a high degree of heterogeneity (95% CI: 4%-18%, I2: 97.07%, 5 studies). Most of the coinfections were reported in Nigeria (336 cases), India (27 cases), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (1 case). Results of qualitative synthesis indicate that patients with coinfection are typically symptomatic at presentation with mild or moderate parasitemia. An analysis of case reports and series indicates that co-infected individuals often display thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated bilirubin levels. Among four patients (30%) who required treatment with intravenous artesunate, one experienced worsened clinical status after administering the drug. One serious outcome of coinfection involved a pregnant woman who experienced fetal abortion due to the initial misdiagnosis of malaria. CONCLUSIONS All individuals in malaria-endemic regions who are febrile or display symptoms of COVID-19 should be evaluated for malaria to avoid serious complications. Further prospective studies are required to investigate the burden and outcomes of COVID-19 in malaria-endemic regions. Prompt management is required to prevent serious outcomes in individuals co-infected with COVID-19 and malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frederick Ramirez Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Giovanni De Jesus Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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37
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Aborode AT, Alexiou A, Ahmad S, Yasir Essar M, Chibueze OS, Al-Zahrani Y, Ayomide OE, Batiha GES. HIV/AIDS Epidemic and COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa. Front Genet 2021; 12:670511. [PMID: 34539728 PMCID: PMC8445156 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.670511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia.,AFNP Med Austria, Wien, Austria
| | | | | | - Osuji Samuel Chibueze
- Department of Optometry, Madonna University, Okija, Nigeria.,Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
| | - Yahea Al-Zahrani
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Oni-Ebenezer Ayomide
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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38
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Heuschen AK, Lu G, Razum O, Abdul-Mumin A, Sankoh O, von Seidlein L, D'Alessandro U, Müller O. Public health-relevant consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. Malar J 2021; 20:339. [PMID: 34380494 PMCID: PMC8355579 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03872-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges to health systems worldwide, including the control of non-COVID-19 diseases. Malaria cases and deaths may increase due to the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in malaria-endemic countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to summarize information on public health-relevant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the malaria situation in SSA. METHODS Review of publications and manuscripts on preprint servers, in peer-reviewed journals and in grey literature documents from 1 December, 2019 to 9 June, 2021. A structured search was conducted on different databases using predefined eligibility criteria for the selection of articles. RESULTS A total of 51 papers have been included in the analysis. Modelling papers have predicted a significant increase in malaria cases and malaria deaths in SSA due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many papers provided potential explanations for expected COVID-19 effects on the malaria burden; these ranged from relevant diagnostical and clinical aspects to reduced access to health care services, impaired availability of curative and preventive commodities and medications, and effects on malaria prevention campaigns. Compared to previous years, fewer country reports provided data on the actual number of malaria cases and deaths in 2020, with mixed results. While highly endemic countries reported evidence of decreased malaria cases in health facilities, low endemic countries reported overall higher numbers of malaria cases and deaths in 2020. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this review provide evidence for a significant but diverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria in SSA. There is the need to further investigate the public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the malaria burden. Protocol registered on Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/STQ9D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guangyu Lu
- Department of Public Health, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alhassan Abdul-Mumin
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Osman Sankoh
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Statistics Sierra Leone, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Olaf Müller
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
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39
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Uwishema O, Nnagha EM, Chalhoub E, Nchasi G, Mwazighe RM, Akin BT, Adanur I, Onyeaka H. Dengue fever outbreak in Cook Island: A rising concern, efforts, challenges, and future recommendations. J Med Virol 2021; 93:6073-6076. [PMID: 34289153 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The Cook Island government has made several efforts to ensure zero confirmed cases and transmission of COVID-19, especially among visiting travelers. However, the Cook Island ministry of health has to deal with the new strain of dengue fever outbreak, known as dengue fever type 2 (DEN-2), by adopting several measures to control its spread, especially in the affected parts of the subtropical country. This paper aims to describe the dengue fever response taken in Cook Island and suggest recommendations to control the risk of transmission in endemic parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, New York, USA.,Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ekene M Nnagha
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,College of Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Elie Chalhoub
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Saint Joseph of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Goodluck Nchasi
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Catholic University of Health and Allied Science, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Rehema M Mwazighe
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Medical Laboratory Technologist, The Mombasa Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Burak T Akin
- Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Irem Adanur
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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40
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Uwishema O, Alshareif BAA, Yousif MYE, Omer MEA, Sablay ALR, Tariq R, Zahabioun A, Mwazighe RM, Onyeaka H. Lassa fever amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: A rising concern, efforts, challenges, and future recommendations. J Med Virol 2021; 93:6433-6436. [PMID: 34289134 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lassa fever, caused by the Lassa virus of the Arenaviruses family, is a re-emerging public health concern that has led to 300,000 infections and 5000 deaths annually in Africa. Highly prevalent in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria, Côte d'lvoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, patients infected with the virus can manifest with cough, sore throat, headache, nausea, and vomiting among other symptoms. Coexisting with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its impacts, cases of Lassa fever in the African population have been reported to decrease due to hesitancy in visiting clinics that leads to unreported cases-all contributing to a silent outbreak in West Africa. Thus, to overcome current burdens, gaps, and challenges caused by Lassa fever amidst COVID-19 in Africa, various recommendations for efficient control of transmission, measures for disease containment, and strategies to correct misperceptions were made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Research, Project and Education, Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Baha A A Alshareif
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Al-Zaiem Al-Azhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Y E Yousif
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohammed E A Omer
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gadarif University, Gadarif, Sudan
| | - Alfredo L R Sablay
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rabeet Tariq
- Department of General Medicine, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amirsaman Zahabioun
- Department of Research, Project and Education, Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rehema M Mwazighe
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Medical Laboratory Technologist, The Mombasa Hospital, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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41
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Aborode AT, Dos Santos Costa AC, Mohan A, Goyal S, Rabiu AT, Tsagkaris C, Uwishema O, Outani O, Ahmad S, Essar MY. Epidemic of plague amidst COVID-19 in Madagascar: efforts, challenges, and recommendations. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:56. [PMID: 34256858 PMCID: PMC8275634 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The plague has been wreaking havoc on people in Madagascar with the COVID-19 pandemic. Madagascar’s healthcare sector is striving to respond to COVID-19 in the face of a plague outbreak that has created a new strain on the country’s public health system. The goal and activities of the gradual epidemic of plague in Madagascar during COVID-19 are described in this research. In order to contain the plague and the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, we have suggested long-term recommendations that can help to contain the outbreak so that it may spread to non-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anmol Mohan
- Karachi Medical & Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda. .,Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey. .,Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, USA.
| | - Oumaima Outani
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed 5 University, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Shoaib Ahmad
- District Head Quarters Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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42
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Uwishema O, Adriano LF, Torbati T, Onyeaka H. Measles crisis in Africa amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Delayed measles vaccine administration may cause a measles outbreak in Africa. J Med Virol 2021; 93:5697-5699. [PMID: 34181289 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Research, Project and Education, Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, USA.,Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Lubanga F Adriano
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of General Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Tania Torbati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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43
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David KB, Aborode AT, Olaoye DQ, Enang NV, Oriyomi AK, Yunusa I. Increased Risk of Death Triggered by Domestic Violence, Hunger, Suicide, Exhausted Health System during COVID-19 Pandemic: Why, How and Solutions. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2021; 6:648395. [PMID: 34169112 PMCID: PMC8219049 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.648395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, just like many other public health emergencies, is a well-established global health burden that has resulted in several changes in routines and lifestyles of people globally. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has directly or indirectly involved in the loss of lives of more than 3.24 million as of 6th May, 2021. The increasing threats posed by this pandemic were subsided by the swift and drastic measures put in place by different countries. As other causes of death before the emergence of COVID-19 still exist, the pandemic has further worsened their impact. The increased risks of COVID-19 deaths are not only due to the health burden it possesses, but also due to some other factors. These factors include domestic violence that becomes rampant, especially during lockdowns; hunger due to low economic development, unemployment, and loss of jobs; suicide due to depression; exhausted health system due to high level of COVID-19 cases and inability to contain it. As we move from the response phase into recovery, the pandemic's direct and broader impacts on individuals, households, and communities will influence the capacity to recover. An understanding of these impacts is therefore required to develop priorities to support recovery. This paper identifies other causes of death amidst the pandemic, such as domestic violence, hunger, suicide, and exhausted health system, and how to minimize their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Bitrus David
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Heslington, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: Kenneth Bitrus David, Abdullahi Tunde Aborode,
| | - Abdullahi Tunde Aborode
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: Kenneth Bitrus David, Abdullahi Tunde Aborode,
| | | | | | - Aboaba Kazeem Oriyomi
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Ismaeel Yunusa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, United States
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